April Trink – January 1st

“It takes two to tango, but it is best to dance together as one” from The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider & Joost Elffers

“I’d like to introduce my oldest sister April! April and her family live in the city, which makes the fact that they are the proud owners of some backyard chickens that much more interesting. I was super excited when she said we could take a photo with one of them. She’s never been one to do things the traditional way, and likes to blaze her own trail. In addition to backyard chickens, she is a catering chef and beekeeper among many other things. Her children are definitely going to have the best memories of their childhood and I’m delighted I get to call them family!” – Cyndal L

An Interview with April

Q. What is the best memory you have from a previous birthday?

A. My best birthday memories are when I was younger. We would have all our family over for a big New Years celebration and right after bringing in the new year everyone would wish me a happy birthday. My Grandmother would call right after midnight every year to wish me a Happy Birthday. Those are good memories. My birthday was full of good food and tobogganing with friends and family.

Q. How about the worst? And why?

A. I don’t think I have had a bad birthday, they have all been pretty good

Q. What was the present you’ve received for your birthday that surprised you most?

A. I think it was my 12th birthday and I was given a sewing machine. I still have it. It has sewn so many things, shorts I had signed by Donny Osmond, bridesmaid dresses for friends weddings, my prom dress, my wedding dress, outfits for my kids. It was definitely the best gift.

Q. Is there a food or dish that you insist on eating on your birthday?

A. No. Only because we had any food imaginable the night before and leftovers galore. My birthday was always the best, well at least I thought so.

Q. What do you believe is the most important aspect of celebrating a birthday?

A. The most important aspect of celebrating a birthday is the cake! No, I like looking back and seeing everything I have accomplished up until that point. Having my family with me is also important.

Q. Do you have any traditions or thing you always do to celebrate a birthday? What is it?

A.I think the same as most. Have everyone gather together. Sing happy birthday, birthday person blows out their candles and opens their presents.

To bring Canadian photographers together and create a body of work that represents the unique personalities of individuals and celebrates differences, cultures and traditions surrounding birthday memories and celebrations.

We want to encourage collaboration and give photographers an opportunity to showcase their talent by coming together as a community and collaborating on a project that brings to light the uniqueness of individuals around the world..

The concept for this project was born from a book by Gary Goldschneider called The Secret Language of Birthdays. In this book the author compiled information from over 40 years of empirical research to describe individuals through an assessment of the day and month of their birth. We want to do the same, but through images.